For the second year in a row, The George Hotel is giving New Year revellers the chance to bid for exclusive use of its luxury Panorama Suite and roof terrace to raise money for charity.

Party-goers will enjoy exclusive use of the lavish Panorama Suite and adjoining roof terrace, with a champagne reception and canapés prepared by Executive Chef Stewart Jarvie. The Panorama Suite roof terrace boasts spectacular views of the capital’s famous skyline, including Edinburgh Castle, with views from the Forth bridges to Fife, providing one of the best locations to enjoy Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. As the clock strikes twelve, the winning bidder will welcome in the New Year with up to 40 friends and family and watch the magnificent fireworks display burst across the capital.

The Panorama Suite New Year auction will launch on Ebay on Wednesday 1st December at 3pm with a starting bid of £400 and will end on Friday 10th December at 3pm, giving bidders the opportunity to snap up the chance to enjoy the spectacular fireworks from the best view in town!
David Welch, general manager at the George Hotel said: “Our Panorama Suite is the perfect venue to host any celebration and the ideal venue for Hogmanay. With its luxurious furnishings and panoramic views over the capital, what more could you ask for on one of the biggest nights of the year?!”

Last year the suite was secured for a stylish New Year celebration with a winning bid of £920 of which 20% was donated by the Principal Hayley Hotel to their favourite charity, Radio Forth’s ‘Cash for Kids’. 20% of this year’s winning bid will be donated again.

The George Hotel’s Panorama Suite and adjoining roof terrace can serve as a reception room for up to 50 people and can host up to 18 people for executive style dining or boardroom meetings.

For your chance to bid for this fantastic venue please visit
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/330502837804 or for any further information call The George Hotel on 0131 225 1251.

The George Hotel, 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB, Tel: 0131 225 1251,
www.principal-hayley.com/thegeorge

10% OFF HOGMANAY IN IDYLLIC RURAL PERTHSHIRE

Spend a traditional Scottish Hogmanay in idyllic rural Perthshire, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, at The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Fillans. Relax by the roaring log fires and enjoy a warming dram with good company, looking out over the still waters of Loch Earn and the surrounding snow capped hills.

Prices have now been reduced by 10% from £399 to just £360 per person for a three night break, including a full Scottish breakfast and dinner each night as well as Scottish entertainment.

Arriving from Wednesday 29, guests enjoy a welcome reception and sumptuous four course meal, followed by music and stories from a Scottish folk duet. On Thursday, enjoy a day exploring the surrounding area, from walking in the countryside to taking advantage of the sales in nearby Crieff, or simply relax in the hotel library with a selection of books and board games.

For Hogmanay, a five course feast will be served overlooking the enchanting loch, before a celebratory Ceilidh dance takes guests through to the Bells, when a supper of haggis and whisky dram. Dress code for the evening is tartan with a prize awarded for the best dressed.

To aid recovery and see in the New Year in style, a champagne brunch will be served on New Year’s Day, followed by an afternoon quiz and buffet dinner, before guests checkout and head home to implement their New Year’s resolutions on Sunday 2 January.

A four night break is also available from £469 or for those wishing to extend their stay further, additional accommodation including dinner and breakfast is available from £63 per person per night.

Only one hour’s drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh, The Four Seasons Hotel, with its fabulous position on the banks of Loch Earn is the ideal getaway for those who enjoy good food, relaxation, quality time with loved ones and tranquil yet magnificent views.

To book please contact The Four Seasons Hotel on 01764 685 333.

To book online or for more information visit www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk

SPEND NEW YEARS EVE IN THE DECADENT SURROUNDINGS OF BENTLEY’S

On New Year’s Eve this year, there is still time to book for celebrated Irish chef Richard Corrigan’s opulent feast at his Swallow Street institution - Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill. For just £75 per guest, you will be treated to dishes including the below:

Starters
Lobster Bisque with Brandy and Tarragon Cream
Frank Hederman’s Smoked Salmon with Sour Cream and Blinis
Mains
Baked Lemon Sole with a Crab Mousse, Champagne and Caviar Cream
Roast Loin of Venison with Pomme Sarladaise and Caramelized Shallots
Desserts
Warm Chocolate cake with Banyuls syrup
Steamed Ginger Pudding, Seville Orange Marmalade
Tea or Coffee and Homemade Petit Fours
For reservations, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (0)20 7734 4756

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Address
11-15 Swallow Street?
London?W1B 4DG
Contact Details
T: +44 (0)20 7734 4756

MULLED WINE AND MINCE PIES: STUDIOMAMA CREATES CHRISTMAS KITCHEN FOR ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET

In the spirit of all things festive, Andaz Liverpool Street has commissioned acclaimed designer Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama to create a sensory winter-scape in the main entrance of the Hotel, from Tuesday 7th December to Thursday 30th December.

Like many of their design related projects, Andaz Liverpool Street wished to celebrate an experience-led Christmas installation which embraced a sense of community – something previously witnessed through the highly successful L Bar at Andaz with Gallery Libby Sellers, in September 2010.

With this in mind, Andaz, with curatorial guidance from Libby Sellers, invited East London based Nina Tolstrup to create a variation on her mobile Outdoor Kitchen which was launched during London Design Festival 2010. Replete with preparation areas, hob and oven, Tolstrup’s revised mobile Christmas cart will not only serve freshly baked cookies, mince pies and warming drinks throughout the day but will also fill the Hotel with abundant Christmas aromas and become a spot for guests and visitors to gather and share the festive spirit.

To complete the experience and create a setting for the mobile cart, Tolstrup is creating an array of wooden star-shaped decorations to adorn the Hotel’s voluminous entrance atrium. Keeping with Tolstrup’s responsible design approach, the star decorations will be made from humble wooden off-cuts that would otherwise have been scrapped.

While the time-honoured Christmas stars will complement the warming scents of cinnamon, spice and rich butter pastry, Tolstrup’s decorations offer more than just a visual treat. With the generosity of spirit that Christmas should engender, and following from Tolstrup’s previous work with open source design, the template and instructions for her decorations, as well as the Hotel’s Christmas recipes will be available to take home.

As the 19th century American short-story writer and essayist Washington Irving wrote, “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." Through Tolstrup’s installation all the ingredients of a memorable Christmas – generosity and warmth – will be relished at Andaz Liverpool Street.

CHRISTMAS DAY AND NYE DINING

Blueprint Cafe above the Design Museum is open for the first time this year for the big day itself. A six-course seasonal feast of head chef Jeremy Lee’s robust, hearty modern British cooking will be served, including baked salsify with parmesan, clam and mussel broth, rump of venison or brill with tarragon sauce and steamed prune and ginger pudding. £70 per person, and accompanied by floor to ceiling views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge – a perfect London Christmas. booking now: www.blueprintcafe.co.uk.

Just a few doors down from Blueprint Cafe, Le Pont de la Tour is also open and offering a four course menu in their signature luxury French style. Diners can choose from several indulgent options such as king prawn and crab ravioli with shellfish veloute, a classic Goosnargh turkey with the classic trimmings, Dedham Vale beef fillet with potato fondant, shallot puree and truffle sauce, and milk chocolate iced parfait with morello cherry sorbet and hazelnut financier. £95 per person. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Orrery restaurant in Marylebone High Street is serving an eight-course tasting menu to showcase head chef Igor Tymchyshyn’s talents, taking in traditional Christmas treats from across Europe – terrine of duck fois gras, grilled lobster with soft herbs and sauce Bearnaise, ‘Norfolk Black’ turkey, traditional Christmas pudding. £75 per person, including a glass of Nyetimber 2001 Blanc de blanc. www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk

NYE

Right at the heart of the city, Skylon boasts unparalleled views and an undeniable touch of glamour. Pop in for an early supper with the family (5.30pm, three courses for adults/children £65/£25 per head) or go all out for the ultimate NYE celebration and enjoy a five course tasting menu from Helena Puolakka, a glass of Champagne and access to a private room at the top of Royal Festival Hall for exclusive views of the London fireworks, then dancing and live music until 2am.

Skylon, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

www.skylonrestaurant.co.uk

Le Pont de la Tour, is also celebrating the end of 2010 in its refined and luxurious signature style. Guests will be greeted with Champagne before enjoying a four course dinner from Head chef Lee Bennett, including dishes such as lobster bisque, roast loin of Yorkshire venison and warm bitter chocolate nemesis. They then board a private glass-roofed boat and journey up the Thames to watch the fireworks from the middle of the river. An option to enjoy canapés and drinks in the private dining rooms is also available. £150-£250 per person.

Le Pont de la Tour, Butlers Wharf, 36 Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE

www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Joël Antunes will be serving a selection of seasonal produce for its New Year’s Eve menu this year at Brasserie Joël, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, with a choice of starters including foie gras with pear chutney and crab salad with micro cress and pickled daikon. Second courses range from scallops with Jerusalem artichoke to roast John Dory, with third courses including roast lamb or partridge accompanied by the artichoke-like crosnes vegetable. Desserts include pineapple with coconut fondant and chocolate caramel fondant with tonka bean ice cream.

http://www.brasseriejoel.co.uk

‘A NEW YOU FOR A NEW YEAR’ SPA BREAKS AT THE MACDONALD BERYSTEDE, ASCOT SIZZLING SUNDAY FROM £79PP

The 4-star Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, near Ascot, Berkshire is offering one-night Sizzling Sunday dinner, B&B New Year spa breaks from just £79 per person per night based on two sharing a double/twin ensuite room. The price includes a 30 minute treatment ideal for post Christmas – choose from a mini facial; neck, back and shoulder massage or a manicure. For guests staying Monday-Saturday the price is £99 for the same package.

In addition guests have use of the hotel’s VITAL Spa where facilities include an 18 metre indoor heated swimming pool, indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, Technogym and relaxation suite.

To book call the Macdonald Berystede Hotel on 0844 879 9104 or for details visit www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Berystede

VERRU BRINGS SCANDINAVIA TO LONDON
Marylebone is to become home to one of London's newest hotspots when VERRU <http://www.verru.co.uk/> (69 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2PH) opens in January 2011. Head chef and owner, Andrei Lesment, previously of Baltic, brings the flavours of Scandinavia to the West End. Dishes will include pan fried red mullet, hop shoots, speck, forest mushrooms and beer; cocotte of autumn mushrooms, spatzle, lettuce and pea shoots; and salad of roast beetroot, goats cheese curd, salt-roasted, cep brioche and grilled pears. Designed by LSM Design, the decor mixes raw brickwork and distressed glass to give a rough and smart finish. With only 26 covers, the restaurant offers a charming and elegant setting that is sure to guarantee a long waiting list for a table.

www.verru.co.uk

PLANET HOLLYWOOD’S TICKLED PINK NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IS BACK!

Due to last year’s success Planet Hollywood is recreating its pink theme by hosting The Tickled Pink Party on New Year’s Eve.

The Tickled Pink celebrations will begin with a welcome glass of pink bubbly, followed by a four-course meal and live band in the lavish Haymarket venue. The restaurant and bar will be transformed into a pink heaven filled with balloons, streamers and other festive decorations - complete with a luminous pink cocktail bar and giant sharing cocktails.

For the evening meal, guests will be presented with a Gravadlax served with Capers, Shallots and Toast to start, or Stuffed Peppers. In between courses guests will be given Pink Sorbet to cleanse the palate, which will be followed by Grilled Prime Scottish Sirloin Steak served with a choice of Whiskey Horseradish or Pink Peppercorn Sauce, Dauphinoise Gratin, Glazed Carrots and Wilted Spinach. Vegetarians can indulge in a Wild Mushroom Risotto with Butternut Squash, Rocket and Parmesan. Finally, if there is any room left, enjoy a White Chocolate Panacotta with Figs and Mini Donuts!

Planet Hollywood has lined up some great entertainment for the night. A live band will be playing all evening, right through to New Year after which two sets will follow from Midnight. Meanwhile, The DJ will be playing upbeat soundtracks throughout the night whenever the bands are not on. With a variety of entertainment on offer, the night will definitely be a memorable one.

Legendary barman, Salvatore Calabrese has created a bespoke menu of martinis and cocktails, tasty enough to warm guests on the chilliest December evening. Try either a Honey Dipped Strawberry or and Espresso Martini or indulge in one of the fabulous giant sharing cocktails with your friends– a great way to see in 2011.

Tickets Available:
Early Evening Seating for 6:30pm-7pm (£60 for the Main Floor/ £50 in the British Room)
Price includes a welcome glass of pink rosé bubbly, four-course meal, party hats and poppers. After your meal, make your way to the bar area and enjoy the sounds of our resident DJ playing all the classics, until it’s time for our live band to begin.

Late Evening Seating for 9:30pm-10pm (£80 for the Main Floor /£70 in the British Room)
Price includes a welcome glass of pink rosé bubbly, four-course meal, party hats and poppers. The table is yours for the entire evening. After your meal, make your way to the bar area and enjoy the sounds of our resident DJ playing all the classics, until its time for our live band to begin.

Window Banquette Seating (£65 for Early Evening seating / £90 for Late Evening Seating)
We have limited window banquette seating, which could be yours for the evening. Ask about this when booking.

Bar entrance from 9.30pm only at £20
This comes with a complimentary glass of pink bubbly.

Planet Hollywood has a late license until 3am for this special occasion.

CELEBRATE THE PARTY SEASON WITH FIRST RESTAURANT GROUP

It is that time of year again; yes the party season is upon us! Celebrate it in style and let First Restaurant Group spoil you and your colleagues at one of their acclaimed restaurants. The Ebury, The Chesterfield, The Notting Hill Brasserie and The Waterway are perfect venues to host your Christmas party and promise to make it a truly memorable occasion. Whether you want to host a three course sit down menu or a selection of canapés, each restaurant offers a truly unique and impressive menu selection.

The Ebury, a chic, warm brasserie situated just off Sloane Square will be decked with sprigs of holly, wreathes interspersed with twinkling lights, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. It will be serving two set menus (one at £29.50 and another at £34.50 for three courses) or two set canapé menus (a selection of 7 canapés at either £14 or £19 per person). All the menus have a fusion of traditional Christmas dishes and fine British and European fare.

The set menu includes such delectable dishes as Smoked Salmon Timbale followed by Traditional Norfolk Roast Turkey finished with a traditional Christmas Pudding. On the other hand, sample some delicious canapés from the Set Canapé Menu including Wild Mushroom Tartlets, Tiger Prawn Skewers, Homemade Venison Burger and Honey Roasted Lamb Saddle & Rosemary Skewers.

Mayfair’s gem, The Running Horse will be offering two wonderful set menus (two courses for £23.50 or three courses for £27.50). To begin, starters include Confit of Salmon with Beetroot & Winter Leaf Salad and Pan Fried King’s Scallops with Cep Mushrooms & White Truffle Oil. Continuing on to mains sample one of the delicious dishes on offer such as Roasted Filet of Beef with Fondant Potato, Spinach & Bone Marrow Sauce and Coq-au-Vin as well as Traditional Roasted Turkey. To finish the mouth-watering festive feast enjoy one of their many desserts, including Red Wine Poached Pear with Raisin Ice Cream and Orange Crème Brulee with Almond Biscotti.

Still in one of London’s chicest areas, the elegant Notting Hill Brasserie will also be serving a sophisticated and delicious set menu (£45 for three courses). Starters will include Thinly sliced Beetroot with Goat’s Cheese Beignets, Raisin and Pine Nut Dressing and Butternut Squash Risotto. Warming mains will include Magret of Duck with Savoy Cabbage, Squash and Vanilla Purée and Braised Cheek of Beef with Red Cabbage, Parsnip Purée and Glazed Chestnuts. Round off the ultimate Christmas lunch with Tarte Tatin, Bakewell Tarte with Vanilla Custard or a classic Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream. Round off the festivities by having a drink in the Notting Hill Brasserie’s stylish new bar, No.92 with one of the delectable cocktails themed around centuries of blending or take a look at the extensive Champagne menu.

Picturesque brasserie The Waterway is located on the stunning canal-side with outdoor canopy and heaters, making it an idyllic spot all year round- winter bliss. They will be offering three sumptuous set menus (one at £22.50, another at £27.50 and the final one at £32.50, for which you will be treated to mince pies and mulled wine on arrival).Starters will include Curried Parsnip Soup with Honey Chestnut Fitters and Smoked Salmon & Potato Pancake. Not only will traditional Turkey with all the trimmings be served, but also lighter dishes such as Seared Salmon with Jerusalem Artichoke Purée, Spinach and Mushroom Fricassee.

Finish with desserts such as Almond and Cranberry Iced Parfait and Chocolate Truffle Cake will provide the perfect end to a memorable meal. Then again sample one of the two different but equally as festive canapé menus they have on offer (select seven canapés for either £14 per person or £19 per person). Canapés include Lobster & Soft Poached Quail Egg, Smoked Salmon & Chive Risotto Spoons and Orange & Dill Gravadlax. Then to finish the evening take a stroll down the canal side, enjoying that winter wonderland feeling.

Move away from the traditional Roast Turkey and sample two Pan-Asian Christmas offerings courtesy of First Restaurant Group’s newest openings. Firstly The Clerk and Well are offering two delicious tasting menus, (one at £17.50 and the other at £22.50). Striking delights Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce, Popcorn Shrimp Tempura with Spicy Mayonnaise and Prawn Siu Mai with Chilli Soy to start. Then for mains tantalize your taste buds with the Chicken Thai Green Curry with Assorted Vegetables, Sizzling Szechuan Beef with Mixed Peppers & Chungkiang Vinaigrette and Steamed Seabass with Aji Ponzu & Chilli Bean Salsa before rounding off the meal with an Exotic Fruits Platter.

Notting Hill’s most stylish new pub The Chesterfield will also be throwing open their doors for the party season and offering another Pan-Asian feast. They will be offering two delectable tasting menus, one for £22.50 and the other at £27.50. Guests are invited to sample such Pan-Asian delights as Chilli Chicken Gyoza with Red Rice Vinaigrette, Soy Cured Salmon with Sesame Miso and Seared Beef Salad with Hana Wasabi to start. Enticing mains will include Pad Thai with Seasonal Vegetable, Coriander & Lime, Baked Black Cod and Caramelized Tiger Prawns with Chilli Bean Salsa with are all served with Steamed or Egg Fried Rice & Bok Choi. Then complete this feast with The Chesterfield Dessert Selection.

So book now, to guarantee a truly memorable and festive Christmas party for you and your colleagues at one of First Restaurants Group’s finest restaurants.

Please Note: All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site. Given the recent weather always check with the different venues before setting out.